Best The Curious Chick Podcasts (2025)

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THIS podcast... Better Than "Kind of Blue"? 55:16

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1d ago55:16

55:16

We turn our own categories back on ourselves! We're looking back on the past 20 epiosdes, which we're calling You'll Hear It Season 12, and ask: - What are our apex moments? - What are our desert island tracks? - Is season 12 better than Kind of Blue?! And - we hear from you, dear listeners. You sent in your questions on Speakpipe, and we answer th…

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Alden Jones: Edge of the World 23:21

6d ago23:21

23:21

Alden Jones explores tips for writing memoirs and discusses her work in fiction. She is the author of The Wanting Was a Wilderness, Unaccompanied Minors, and The Blind Masseuse. Her books have won awards including the New American Fiction Prize and the Lascaux Book Prize and been finalists for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the…

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Susan Wiggs' Passion Project: Wayward Girls 31:47

7d ago31:47

31:47

Bestselling author Susan Wiggs discusses her writing practices and shares the backstory surrounding her passion project, Wayward Girls. Susan Wiggs’s life is all about family, friends…and fiction. She lives at the water’s edge on an island in Puget Sound, and in good weather, she commutes to her writers’ group in a 21-foot motorboat. She’s been fea…

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From Sonata to Stank Face 1:08:31

8d ago1:08:31

1:08:31

The ultimate musical showdown: jazz vs classical. We bring in conductor Josh Weilerstein from the Sticky Notes podcast to compare, contrast and find the common ground among these two very different schools of music. From Duke Ellington's swinin' take on Peer Gynt to George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, we explore the tunes and the musicians blurring…

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Megan Greenwell: Bad Company 23:02

13d ago23:02

23:02

Following over two hundred interviews, journalist Megan Greenwell's book, Bad Company, shines light onto the lives of those living and working downstream from private equity decision makers. Megan Greenwell is a journalist with extensive experience in all areas of print and digital media. She volunteers as the deputy director of the Princeton Summe…

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Why does hair turn gray? 2:22

13d ago2:22

2:22

We didn’t ask for this, but here we are squinting at our own reflection, spotting those sneaky strands of gray hair we swear weren’t there yesterday. Today, we go straight to the source. “Was it the taxes? The group chats? The gluten?” We point fingers. We call names. And we make peace with whatever’s happening up there… This is Explain Like I’m De…

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Jaclyn Goldis: The Safari 19:43

14d ago19:43

19:43

Jaclyn Goldish peels back the curtain on her process and lessons learned as she's published four novels. Jaclyn is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and NYU School of Law. She practiced estate planning law at a large Chicago firm for seven years before leaving her job to travel the world and write novels. After culling her posses…

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Jill Shalvis: 108 Novels and Counting 21:13

15d ago21:13

21:13

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any …

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The Best Thing To Ever Happen In 1960 1:01:16

15d ago1:01:16

1:01:16

John Coltrane’s Giant Steps isn’t just a jazz classic — it’s a rite of passage. Peter Martin and Adam Maness dig into what makes the album so technically punishing and emotionally electrifying. From the iconic solo on the title track to the symmetrical harmonies, the lightning-fast chord changes, the fiery swing of Cousin Mary, and the full-throttl…

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Why do we dream? 2:46

18d ago2:46

2:46

Ever woken up from a dream thinking “What in the sweet gravy did I just witness?” This one’s for you… Today, we’re taking a moonlit stroll through whatever unspeakable things your brain’s doing while you sleep. From uninvited flashbacks to emotional plot twists and a whole lotta what the heck was that...you’ll laugh, you’ll nod, you’ll probably que…

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Why do onions make us cry? 3:05

21d ago3:05

3:05

This is the origin story of a sneaky little vegetable. Go grab your tissues, buttercup! Today, we're gonna slice through all the science behind the waterworks...from what triggers it to how to shut it down. This is Explain Like I’m Dense... we take the big, complicated questions about the world and give gloriously chaotic answers with zero shame an…

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Sue Halpern & Summer Hours at the Robbers Library 21:10

21d ago21:10

21:10

How does a Pulitzer Prize winning author find inspiration? Sue Halpern shares tips and discusses writing both nonfiction and fiction. Sue is the author of seven previous books of fiction and nonfiction, most recently the novel Summer Hours at the Robbers Library. Her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, the New York …

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Jazz Organ LEGEND Reveals Favorite Tracks 33:06

22d ago33:06

33:06

We’re sitting down with one of the greats! Organist Larry Goldings is in the house to spin the B3 tracks that shaped him – from Jimmy Smith’s revolutionary runs to Billy Preston’s blending brilliance behind Aretha Franklin. Along the way, Larry breaks down the nuts and bolts (err… drawbars and percs) behind his favorite players, offering expert ins…

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Jackie Lau: Geophysicist to Romance Writer 14:11

23d ago14:11

14:11

Jackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between penning “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” She later studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to writing romance novels. She is now the author of over twenty books. Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite li…

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Why is the sky blue? 2:34

24d ago2:34

2:34

Ever looked up on a random Tuesday and thought, “Damn... that's a nice shade of blue” while sipping lukewarm coffee and rethinking every decision you’ve ever made? Today, we’re dragging that pretty blue blanket into the interrogation room cause we've been lied to! This is Explain Like I’m Dense... we take the big, complicated questions about the wo…

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Jillian Forsberg on Her Debut, The Rhino Keeper 19:15

25d ago19:15

19:15

Jillian Forsberg is a business owner and historical fiction author. She writes about animals from the past in her two books, The Rhino Keeper and forthcoming The Porcelain Menagerie. She lives and works in Wichita, Kansas. Special thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy. Learn more at jillianforsberg.com. Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Out…

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Amy Poeppel: Far and Away 26:43

26d ago26:43

26:43

As Amy Poeppel publishes her fifth novel, she reflects on lessons learned and discusses the challenges she faced while writing a novel simultaneously set in Berlin and Dallas. Amy Poeppel grew up in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Wellesley College and worked as an actress in the Boston area, appearing in a corporate industrial for Polaroid, a co…

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Episode 9: Cleaning, Building, and Rooster Surprises 25:15

26d ago25:15

25:15

In this episode of Wyoming Coop and Cluck, I roll up my sleeves for a deep clean of the temporary coop and share the exciting start of our permanent coop build! I talk about the importance of coop hygiene—not just for the flock, but for us humans, too. Tune in as I cover common zoonotic illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli, and how to prevent them…

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#389 - Imran Khan - Founder @ Proem Asset Mgmt - Investing In The Fourth Industrial Revolution 55:24

28d ago55:24

55:24

Imran Khan is the Founder at Proem Asset Management. In this episode we explore the arc of his remarkable career—from his early days as one of Wall Street’s top-ranked analysts to leading global IPOs and eventually launching his own hedge fund. We discuss: - Why gross margins are a critical indicator of fundamental shifts in a business - How he met…

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Sexiest Album Ever? 1:16:37

29d ago1:16:37

1:16:37

We’re finally digging into “Voodoo” - D’Angelo’s Grammy-winning album that changed the sound of R&B, soul, and hip-hop forever. And the album a young Adam Maness had on repeat, seriously influencing his playing as well as countless musicians since. With Questlove’s “Dilla-drag” drumming, Pino Palladino’s funky bass lines, Roy Hargrove’s jazzy horn …

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Beyond Tess Monaghan: Laura Lippman's Murder Takes a Vacation 35:11

1M ago35:11

35:11

Laura Lippman discusses how poetry feeds her spirit and looks back on her longstanding run with indelible character, Tess Monaghan, who has appeared in a dozen novels. While sharing her writing experiences, she invites listeners to take a seat on her (theoretical) analyst's couch to uncover snags interfering with meaningful storytelling. Laura was …

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Michael McGarrity's Night in the City 22:44

1M ago22:44

22:44

With the publication of Tularosa in 1996, Michael McGarrity turned to writing full time. Many of his novels have been national best sellers. He holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work. As an undergraduate, he held a Ford Foundation Scholarship at the University of New Mexico. He is an honor graduate o…

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#388 - Mark Toro - CVO @ Toro Development Co. - Developing Generational Mixed Use "Fortresses" 1:13:38

1M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Today’s guest is Mark Toro, Chief Vision Officer @ Toro Development Co, based in Atlanta, GA. Mark unpacks the philosophy, economics, and human-centered detail behind some of the most successful mixed-use developments in the country. We talk through his journey from building suburban power centers to pioneering immersive experiences like Avalon, Co…

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90's Jazz At Its Finest 1:16:07

1M ago1:16:07

1:16:07

You can’t deliver a performance like Shirley Horn’s “Here’s to Life” unless you’ve lived a little – or a lot. It’s an album only an artist with decades of love, loss, and resilience could create. In this episode, we break down Horn’s unmatched ability to accompany herself, the elegance of Johnny Mandel’s string arrangements, and the quiet confidenc…

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Aimee Phan's Adventure from Nonfiction to YA 24:39

1M ago24:39

24:39

Aimee Phan was born and raised in Orange County, California. She received her BA in English from UCLA and her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She is the author of two books for adults, We Should Never Meet: Stories and the novel The Reeducation of Cherry Truong. She has received fellowships and residencies from the NEA, MacDowell Colony, the R…

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Episode 8: Cock-a-Doodle-DON'T? And Farmers' Market Feasts 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

One of the eight young chickens might actually be a rooster—and it’s starting to show! In this episode, I share the early signs of rooster behavior we’re seeing in the flock and what that could mean for our backyard setup. Plus, the girls (and maybe a guy?) are getting a menu upgrade as we begin introducing fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet…

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Lindy Ryan: Writing the Story You're Meant to Tell 20:10

1M ago20:10

20:10

Lindy Ryan discusses writing horror as a novelist and anthologist. She is an award-winning author, anthologist, and short-film director whose books and anthologies have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Library Journal. Several of her projects have been adapted for screen. Ryan is the current author-in-residence at Rue M…

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Kaira Rouda: Jill Is Not Happy 24:20

1M ago24:20

24:20

Kaira Rouda talks about writing thrillers and how she came to host the Killer Author Club with her author friends. Kaira is an award–winning, USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her novels of domestic suspense include The Widow, Somebody’s …

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It’s Time: Joshua Redman’s Spirit of the Moment 1:21:54

1M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

For the first time ever, we’re digging into an album Peter actually played on. In this episode, we go deep on Spirit of the Moment, saxophonist Joshua Redman’s 1995 double-CD live album, recorded at the legendary Village Vanguard, with Peter on piano, drummer Brian Blade, and bassist Chris Thomas. We explore how Redman rose to stardom in the ’90s, …

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Episode 7: Feathers on the move: Reinventing the Kennel 20:47

2M ago20:47

20:47

In this episode, the chicks are ready to spread their wings—and it's time to move them outside! But with the permanent coop still in the planning phase and a prefab coop blown halfway to Nebraska, things get creative fast. Join me as I share how we transformed an old dog kennel into a temporary chicken run and “Frankensteined” the brooder pieces in…

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#387 - Ken Hersh - Co-Founder NGP Energy Capital Management - The Godfather of Energy Private Equity 1:16:54

2M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

Since 2016, Ken Hersh has served as President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center which houses the George W. Bush Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute. In 1988, he co-founded NGP Energy Capital Management, one of the nation’s largest natural resources private equity firms which pioneered private capital investing in the…

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RaeAnne Thayne: 80 Books Later, What's Her Secret Sauce? 25:31

2M ago25:31

25:31

RayAnne Thayne's novels showcase complicated family dynamics and always deliver swoony love stories, but how does she keep up the magic after eighty books? Tune in, and find out. New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne has written more than 70 books since selling her first book in 19…

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Sue Hincenbergs on Querying, Writing, and Launching Her Debut, The Retirement Plan 22:05

2M ago22:05

22:05

Sue Hincenbergs discusses querying 198 agents and the successful query letter that she shares with other writers. Sue is a former television producer who has worked on multiple award-winning programs. She lives in Toronto with her (very much alive) husband, her scruffy, middle-aged rescue dog, Kramer, and the rooms full of the stuff her three sons …

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Miles’ First Masterpiece: Birth of the Cool 1:14:10

2M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Before Kind of Blue, a 21-year-old Miles Davis was already reshaping jazz with Birth of the Cool. In this episode, we explore how Miles teamed up with arranger Gil Evans and a chamber-like nonet to craft a sound full of singable melodies, tightly arranged horns, and forward-thinking restraint. With French horn in the mix, Gerry Mulligan and John Le…

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Matt Goldman's Journey Writing for Seinfeld and More to Creating Crime Novels 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Matt Goldman has written for television shows like Seinfeld but found his calling writing crime novels. He is a New York Times Bestselling author and Emmy Award winning television writer. He has been nominated for the Shamus Award and Nero Award. Matt's television writing credits include Seinfeld, Ellen, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Dir…

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Jacqueline Friedland: Counting Backwards 19:11

2M ago19:11

19:11

Jacqueline Friedland unpacks her process and discusses why she chooses societally relevant challenges for her characters. Jacqueline graduated Magna Cum Laude from both the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Law School. She practiced as a commercial litigator for New York law firms before determining that office life did not suit her. Jacqueline be…

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The “Love Supreme” of Soul Music? 1:36:36

2M ago1:36:36

1:36:36

Learn what makes Marvin Gaye’s protest album a timeless masterpiece. Adam and Peter go deeper than deep—layer by layer—using stems to find out. Listen to the full arrangement in a way you’ve probably never experienced, even if you’ve heard it a thousand times. Strings, bass, background vocals, Marvin’s multi-tracked leads, percussion, vibes—it’s al…

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Dane Huckelbridge, Writing about the Old West in Paris 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Dane Huckelbridge discusses the settings in his novels and his research--from Africa for No Beast So Fierce to the plains of Oklahoma for his latest, Queen of All Mayhem--the tale of the most dangerous woman of the American west, Belle Starr. Dane was born and raised in the American Middle West. He holds a degree from Princeton University, and his …

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#386 - Trent & Tyler Leon - Co-Founders @ Tilden Capital 1:15:50

2M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

Trent and Tyler Leon are the Co-Founders of Tilden Capital. Today, their business, Tilden Capital, has deployed billions of dollars into oil & gas minerals, royalties, and non-operated positions across the Permian and other domestic basins. We talk about growing up in a golf-obsessed family, attending IMG Academy, and competing at the highest level…

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What Genre Is Tower Of Power?? 1:09:47

2M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

We hand the mic to Kirk Hamilton from the Strong Songs podcast to help us break down the groovy 1973 self-titled release: Tower of Power. We unpack what makes this Oakland funk outfit a generational institution – from David Garibaldi’s precision drum fills and Rocco Prestia’s machine-gun bass lines to what may be the tightest horn section of all ti…

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Episode 6: Hen or Rooster? Place Your Bets! 19:39

2M ago19:39

19:39

In this episode of Wyoming Coop and Cluck, it’s time to play detective! I’m sharing the latest updates on my eight growing chicks as I try to figure out: hen or rooster? Listen in as I describe each chick’s looks, behaviors, and clues—and see if you can guess who’s who! Plus, I’ll give you an update on building the new coop (spoiler: it’s coming al…

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Lauren Willig on Writing Across Genres 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Lauren Willig discusses co-writing and writing cross-genre plus gives us the scoop on her latest novel. Lauren is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five works of historical fiction, including Band of Sisters, The Summer Country, The English Wife, the RITA Award-winning Pink Carnation series, and five novels co-…

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Melissa de la Cruz: When Stars Align 20:15

2M ago20:15

20:15

How does an author balance a writing career that spans television and literature? Melissa de la Cruz discusses how she makes it all work. Melissa de la Cruz is the #1 New York Times, #1 Publishers Weekly, and #1 IndieBound bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages. Many of her more than seventy…

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Did Chick Corea Perfect Midi Jazz? 1:07:10

2M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

Stack a DX7, a keytar, and enough rack-mount synths to power a small city, and you get one of the most iconic – and polarizing – jazz fusion albums of the ’80s. This week, we dive into The Chick Corea Elektric Band (1986), the record that inspired a thousand copycats and split the jazz world. From the jaw-dropping virtuosity of “Got a Match?” to th…

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Victoria Helen Stone on Writing Complicated Women 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

What makes a fascinating female protagonist? Wall Street Journal bestselling author Victoria Helen Stone shares how she creates her characters, where she goes for inspiration, and what she learned about conspiracy theories in this episode. Victoria is the author of the runaway hit Jane Doe, writes critically acclaimed novels of dark intrigue and em…

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Brooder Blues and Brave Chicks 24:22

3M ago24:22

24:22

In this episode of Wyoming Coop and Cluck, Kim shares the excitement and challenges of moving her fast-growing chicks into a brand-new, larger brooder. She talks about the unexpected stress the move caused, how quickly the chicks adjusted, and the hilarious sight of tiny wings trying to navigate a much bigger world. Kim also dives into the realitie…